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Tsongas: Turnover in Congress made for fast rise

Sentinel & Enterprise

Updated:
02/15/2013 06:34:44 AM EST

U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas last week was named the highest-ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, which examines "wrongdoings and inefficiencies" in the armed forces and oversees the U.S. Department of Defense.

In an interview Thursday, Tsongas told 980-AM WCAP she's been able to move up in Congress as others have moved out.

"I was elected just over five years ago," said Tsongas, who won the seat that former Congressman Marty Meehan left to become chancellor of UMass Lowell. "Over half the Congress is new. As a result, I have risen very quickly through the ranks."

Tsongas also praised the Obama administration's decision to open more military positions, including ground combat units, to women.

Noting the repeal of the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy, Tsongas called it "another landmark victory for equality in our military."

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